Installing A Deadbolt In A Door

Mark the door for drilling by taping the template to the inside of the door wood doors have a bevel that will throw the measurements off if you use the exterior side.

Installing a deadbolt in a door.

You ll have to adjust the position a bit if you have a combination storm door so as not to interfere with the storm doorknob or lock. Single cylinder deadbolts keyed on one side will work fine for most situations. For keypads install the screws and tuck the battery and cables inside the unit. Drill pilot holes and secure the striker plate with screws.

Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the turn assembly. You ll also need to add a flat head screwdriver hammer and block of wood to your tool set. Place the template so the center of the deadbolt will be 6 in. Mortise the area around the hole so the strike plate will fit flush with the doorframe.

Installing a deadbolt lock is simple when you have a drill the right hardware and a great teacher. In the video above this old house general contractor tom silva is adds a deadbolt to a door that is an inch and 3 4 in thickness. Above the center of the doorknob. Attach the thumb turn.

Most moderately skilled amateurs can complete this task in about half an hour. Fold this template around the edge of the door at least 6 inches above. Use a 7 8 spade bit to drill two overlapping holes in the doorframe for the deadbolt. Choose a position on the door for the lock.

Steel doors are easy to drill into using a bimetal hole saw and an electric drill. Close the door and turn the deadbolt several times to mark the doorframe. A deadbolt kit will usually come with a paper template to help you mark the door before you start drilling. Remove the deadbolt from its packaging and take out the instruction sheet with the template for marking the holes on the door.

Home improvement expert leah of see jane drill demonstrat. You ll need to be comfortable using a drill to install a deadbolt yourself.